Getting from one place to another is a simple task for most New Zealanders, but what happens if you lose your sight or were born without it? It suddenly becomes a lot more difficult to catch a bus, get to work, find the local café or even get to the letter box!

For over 270 blind and vision-impaired New Zealanders being matched with a guide dog means independence. Getting to and from work, school and the supermarket and finding your way to new destinations is no longer so daunting; and feelings of isolation are reduced as the bond with the guide dog grows.

Some guide dog handlers share their experiences of working with a guide dog –

Bevan lives in Otago, is 17 years old and was matched with guide dog Tammy in 2002

"Tammy has changed my life in so many ways, most importantly though, she has given me the confidence to get out there and do the things that I want to do and even try new things," says Bevan.

With limited vision since birth Bevan says having a guide dog has given him more confidence and helped him become more independent.

"With Tammy I can get around a lot quicker and easier and it means I can go to a lot more places on my own plus she's turned out to be kind of like a school mascot which is neat.

"She is also a great icebreaker and has helped me meet lots of new people. She's a good friend too. We have a pretty cool bond and spend every minute of everyday together just about."

Jessica (18) from the Waikato was matched with guide dog Iona in 2001

"Now that I'm older I'm more independent and no longer rely on my parents as much thanks to Iona. But the thing I like the most is knowing that I'm not alone, that Iona is always there," says Jessica.

Jessica and Iona, like most guide dog teams, have formed a special bond and have an amazing understanding of each other.

"When I first started incorporated martial arts classes I'd practice moves and Iona would think I was in trouble and would come between the instructor and I to protect me! She stays at home now," says Jessica.

Laura (31) from the Bay of Plenty was matched with guide dog Rua in January

"Because I sit in a number of different venues and court houses (for work) I rely on Rua to get me there quickly and safely," says Laura.

"It's totally my independence, without a guide dog I'd be completely lost and couldn't do my job."

Ron (63) lives in the Waikato and was matched with guide dog Umbro in 2000

"I got to the stage where I was worried about going out and bumping into people and things so my family bullied me into applying for a guide dog," says Ron.

"But I don't regret it; in fact it's the best thing that's happened to me! Umbro has given me the confidence to get out there and be independent again."

Mavis is 85 years old, from Southland and was matched with guide dog Banjo five years ago

"Being vision impaired can be very isolating and lonely. I used to go out and people didn't know I couldn't see them and they thought I was being rude and not speaking to them! Now people see Banjo and realise I can't see them and come and talk to me," says Mavis.

"Not only has Banjo helped me remain independent, I think I've met more people than ever with her!"

Mavis Patton was 80-years-old when she was matched with guide dog Banjo and almost five years on she has no regrets about taking on a guide dog at her age.

"I did wonder if I could manage it but I think when you are older you try harder."

George (87) from the Hawkes Bay, was matched with guide dog Beckham in January

"I wouldn't want to be without him now; he's a champion and has made such a big difference in my life already. Beckham makes things a lot easier and is going to help me stay independent once I lose all of my sight," says George.

Being one of the oldest New Zealanders to receive their first guide dog means little to George Dale who believes that age is just a number.

"I don't think age comes into it; I'm pretty young for my age, I still mow my own lawns!"

Guide dogs mean freedom, independence, confidence and companionship, but these important mobility aids come at a high cost.

It costs $22,500 to breed, raise, train and match a guide dog before it graduates as part of a working team. Guide dogs are provided free of charge to the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind's (RNZFB) members. Guide Dog Services receives no government funding, all costs are covered by public donations, legacies and corporate sponsorship.

We need dogs - not the dogs themselves, but the funds to continue providing this valuable service to blind, vision-impaired and deafblind New Zealanders.

The 2005 Guide Dog Appeal will be held from Friday 8 - Sunday 10 April.

Please give generously when you see our collectors out and about on the streets or donate $3 by texting GDOG to 883.

ENDS

For more information or a photograph please contact:
Jane Gower, Communications Co-ordinator, RNZFB
Ph: 09 355 6884 or 021 357 412
OR
Sarah Byers, Communications Co-ordinator, RNZFB
Ph: 09 355 6906 or 021 752 875